Want reliable more horse power

Technical topics related to machines powered by Kasasaki motors
vader
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Want reliable more horse power

Post by vader »

1982 liquidfire 440. Want to spruce up motor but not go crazy. I do a lot of bush riding. So I was thinking invader heads aen race pipes. Should I get ride of the air box. And a set of invader heads should do the trick. What do you think. Remember I want reliable power. Cause i going to be riding in a little deeper snow this year. Now if I do this work does that me I need a bigger rad to keep the engine cooler. Also is there away to put reverse on the sled someone said it bolts on to your chain case. Damn thing is heavy but I like it
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smitfire
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by smitfire »

The most reliable power is stock form! It is what it is and I would not change the air box or pipes.
Many new and used parts available, I ship anywhere. Thanks everyone.
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jdrob
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by jdrob »

I have to agree with Dustin. Leave it as is. This is my opinion. You said you want reliable power. Save yourself az bunch of headaches and buy a newer sled. I am not dissing Jd liquifires but they are very tempermental. Now 1 good thing is you have an 82' so I suspect that it has the Hsr ignition on it? They are more reliable than the original set-up. Just saying.

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AirborneX4Special
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by AirborneX4Special »

If this is what you want to ride and you want it reliable, don't modify it.
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ihengineer76
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by ihengineer76 »

If you want more power to ride in deeper snow, your best bet is get the stock engine running in top form. From there, you can change your gear ratio, and adjust your clutching to keep you a little higher in the power band before your clutch shifts.
1976 Liquidator - 970 mile raced sled
1975 340/S - I-500 raced sled
1978 440 Liquifire
ljm
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Location: near Port Elgin, Ontario

Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by ljm »

I'm going to go against the grain a little bit.

It's your sled. do with it what you want too.

I would suggest some gearing changes. If you do a lot of bush riding you might want more bottom end so lower gears might be the answer.

Invader heads will not hurt relabilty, but will not gain you very much.

My 81 has lower gears and a stock motor and lower gears. It is reliable and lots fast enough

Lloyd
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AirborneX4Special
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by AirborneX4Special »

ihengineer76 wrote:If you want more power to ride in deeper snow, your best bet is get the stock engine running in top form. From there, you can change your gear ratio, and adjust your clutching to keep you a little higher in the power band before your clutch shifts.
Yup.
vader
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by vader »

Thanks for the feed back. And I do a lot of bush riding. So I do ride in deeper snow and that's the problem just not enough bottom end to get out of the deep stuff if I stop. Sure lots of top end Thoe. What gear ratios would you recommend. And if I do put invader heads on I have to run premium fuel right. Does anybody know where to get a track with bigger lugs lets say 3/4 inch
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JoeRainville
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by JoeRainville »

Hello Vader,

The advice the guys gave you is pretty solid, the sled is more reliable at stock HP levels. Here is what I can tell you based on my experience attempting to race and trail ride my 1980 and 84 Liquifires.

I belive updating the chrome bores to be one of the best things you can do for any 80-84 Liquifire. I had Millenium Technologies nicasil two sets for me, and bough the Kawi spec "pro-lite" pistons from Wisco with rings that are compatable with nicasil. The pro-lites work best with the stock JD head profile, as the taller dome cuts off the squish band if you use the Invader head. Not sure why they are marketed as the Invader piston, but the Watersboy spent quite a bit of time figure that out.

The 82-84 "HSR" ignition also gives these motors better low end and mid-range over the 80/81 ignitions. To use Aaen pipes, you are supposed to port your motor, and clutch it for 9,000 rpms. While fun, it would not make it last longer.

Stock gearing for 82-84 is 21/39. Deere made a high alt kit for that sled with a shorter 66 pitch chain and 19 and 20 tooth top gears I think. Part number might be AM55721 or so. I have some, but not sure if they made the move to TX yet.

Waters did put a 3/4" lug on his Liquifire, but it's a fair amount of work but he is happy with the results. Not sure if you can studd a track that tall and not hit the heat exchanger.

And, if no one told you yet, pull the crank and replace the seals and totally go though the fuel system.

I hope this helps,
-Joe Rainville
Honorary Tech Editor

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That Girl Racing
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by That Girl Racing »

You can always put a 550 Interceptor motor into it.
ljm
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by ljm »

hmmm I wish i could find an Intercepor motor
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AirborneX4Special
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by AirborneX4Special »

I'm not sure the rest of the assembly could tolerate what that motor has to offer. You'd definitely want to be judicious with the throttle.
lwb140
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by lwb140 »

use a sportfire helix , it has a different angle and performs better at low speeds ,I forget all the specs off the top of my head but they are cheap and it should help , lower gears for sure !! powerjet carbs need the airbox to work correctly so ive been told .
certificate recipiant of the 12 vintage challenge !! on a 78 liquifre 440,
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certificate recipient of the 14 vintage challenge !! on a 78 liquifire 440
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crossed the start/finish line twice at the 2013 and 2014 I500 on a 78 liquifire 440
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SIIaCanuck
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Location: Central Alberta

Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by SIIaCanuck »

JoeRainville wrote:I belive updating the chrome bores to be one of the best things you can do for any 80-84 Liquifire. I had Millenium Technologies nicasil two sets for me, and bough the Kawi spec "pro-lite" pistons from Wisco with rings that are compatable with nicasil. The pro-lites work best with the stock JD head profile, as the taller dome cuts off the squish band if you use the Invader head. Not sure why they are marketed as the Invader piston, but the Watersboy spent quite a bit of time figure that out.

The 82-84 "HSR" ignition also gives these motors better low end and mid-range over the 80/81 ignitions.
Joe,

How much should I budget for nicasil bores?

Are these the pistons listed by Wiseco for the TA440A,B,C engines (part #2313M06800) '79-'82? The Wiseco website lists these pistons for both the Liquifire and the Invader, as well as the Trailfire, Intruder and Sportfire.

The other option is the 2084M06800, listed for the Intruder, Invader, Drifter and Trailfire.

Do these domed pistons change the compression significantly with the JD heads? My compressions are 114 (PTO) and 107 (flywheel) so she's not dead but not new either. I'm going to change the seals and have a look at the pistons/bores while I'm at it.

I've decided against any serious engine modifications, but if I need to rebuild, I may as well do it well.
Stew

'80 440 Liquifire
'72 292SS Elan
'74 294SS Elan
'73 Evinrude QF (for sale if someone wants one)
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skoalmint
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Re: Want reliable more horse power

Post by skoalmint »

Good Choice on the engine mods, I m sure that u will find once it runs well, u will think why would I want this just about outa control sled any faster!LOL. Brock
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